Maryland dentists' knowledge of oral cancer prevention and early detection.

To reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancers, dentists must have accurate knowledge and skills to detect and diagnose oral cancers at early stages. The authors' study found gaps in dentists' knowledge of risk factors and procedures for diagnosing oral cancers. Increasing health literacy for oral cancers among dental professionals may lead to increased health literacy for oral cancers among the public because dental professionals are a key source of oral health information for the public.